Custom Search

Laoag: The Sunshine City of the Philippines

Posted on August 25, 2006

Laoag, also known as the Sunshine City, is the capital of the province of Ilocos Norte.Laoag actually means “Light” in Iloko, the dialect spoken by the Ilocanos. The Ilocandia is home to several noteworthy personalities that gave color to our country’s history. Among the famous Ilocanos are: Padre Jose Burgos, couples Diego and Gabriela Silang, National Artist Juan Luna, former President Ferdinand Marcos,and who doesn’t know Chavit Singson? These are just some of the Ilocanos that helped shaped our the course of our history.

Upon arriving in Laoag, I immediately went to the Museo Ilocos Norte. The museum is fine repository of artifacts. It shows the story of how the Ilocanos lived, then and now. There are tools used for hunting and for fishing. There are also old photographs of the old Ilocos. On second level you will also get to see an old radio still functioning.

When I went there, the mueum also has a special exhibit on a unique Ilocano fabric called the “Abel Iloko”. There were looms, and threads all over. There are also dresses exhibited made out of this fine fabric.

The visit to Museo Ilocos Norte is truly a wonderful experience for me.